Miki Yamanaka

Miki Yamanaka, a New York-based pianist hailing from Japan’s Kobe, is now based in New York. In 2012, she moved to New York City and studied piano with Jason Lindner, Jeb patton and Fred Hersch. She also learned organ with Sam Yahel, Larry Goldings, and organ with Jeb Patton. She was one of three pianists who were selected to take part in “Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead”, a residency for intensive composition at the Kennedy Center. Queens College awarded her a Master of Music degree and the Sir Roland Hanna Award. Miki has performed with many famous musicians, including Steve Nelson and Seamus Blake, Victor Lewis, Rich Perry (with Rich Perry), Antonio Hart, Peter Bernstein, and Victor Lewis (with Victor Lewis). She has residencies at Smalls and Mezzrow Jazz Clubs, NYC. In 2016, she hosted a tribute to Horace Silver and performed her own music at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in 2017. She is currently the pianist in the Philip Harper Quintet as well as the Roxy Coss Quintet. Miki recorded “Songs Without Lyrics”, a mini-album in 2012. It featured Spencer Murphy, Tivon Pennicott and Lawrence Lo Leathers. She also recorded “Miki”, an official debut album, with Steve Nelson, Orlando le Fleming and Bill Stewart. She recently composed a 5-part suite called “Human Dust Suite”, and recorded it along with other compositions. It will be released in September 2020 (Outside in Music). Visit www.mikiyamanaka.com

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